Hundreds participate in 4th annual Pink Warrior Dash

By BRITTANY FHOLER
Cove Leader-Press

Hundreds of pink clad men, women and children ran laps around the Copperas Cove City Park Saturday morning for the fourth annual Pink Warrior Angels Pink Warrior Dash 5K to raise awareness for breast cancer. 
Pink Warrior Angels is a non-profit organization founded by Julie Moser and Jennifer Reynolds, two breast cancer survivors diagnosed under the age of 40. According to the PWA website, “Pink Warrior Angels is focused on providing direct support to those that have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  We firmly believe that no one should ever feel alone in their battles.” 
The website also mentions that 1 in 8 U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. 
PWA provides resources, financial assistance and emotional support to the women battling cancer, called Warriors, with their Angel/Warrior program. Since becoming an established 501c3 in 2015, PWA has financially assisted nearly 100 families. 
Funds raised through Saturday’s race will help PWA continue its mission in helping women and their families. 
The race had more than 200 people registered, according to PWA Volunteer Coordinator Nicole Manyen. 
“[That] just shows that it is your next door neighbor, it is the person you know, so in our group this is a great way to show support,” Manyen said. 
Many participants ran for their neighbor or a friend or a family member, she added. 
“It literally is touching so many people,” Manyen said. “And Copperas Cove for being so small just shows today how wonderful of support we have.” 
Some racers chose to go all out in their pink gear and tutus, with some even wearing angel wings as a nod to PWA. 
Dawn Pessa left the tutu wearing to her German Shepherd, Xena, who ran the race with her, and wore a black shirt with a pink ribbon that said she wears pink for her mom. 
Pessa, who volunteers with PWA and volunteered at last year’s race, said she chose to run this year in honor of her mom, Pessa’s mother, Jeanne Divirgielio, who lives in Tennesse and was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. 
“It brings awareness to this area,” Pessa said of the race’s impact on Copperas Cove. “I know it’s a smaller area and it’s growing with the military so those coming in suffering with breast cancer or going through any type of cancer can know there’s someone there for them.”
Race sponsors included Integrity Rehab, who offered pain and strain adjustments; Ironclad Bodyworks, who offered massages; Sonic Drive-In, who sponsored water stops throughout the course; Wal-Mart, who offered bottled water and fresh fruit for runners after the race; Garris Entertainment, who provided the music and sound and DE Photography, who were the official race photographer. 
Prior to the race, a contest for Prettiest in Pink Male, Female and Team was held and runners were led in a warmup stretch with Crunch Fitness. Once runners finished, they could take advantage of the free massages and adjustments offered by Ironclad Bodyworks and Integrity Rehab, as well as snap a selfie or two at the selfie station. 
All participants received a medal and the first 100 registered racers received a free shirt, according to Manyen. 
Prior to the awards ceremony, a representative from Pershing Park Baptist Church donated a check for $250, and the Copperas Cove Wal-Mart donated a check for $500.
Prizes were handed out for the first, second, third and last place winners. 
Manyen shared that this race provided an easy way for people to give back and make a difference. She encouraged people to come and talk to volunteers of PWA if they see them out and about, adding that it all boils down to talking to and helping neighbors. 
 “If one small town can do it, that means all the big towns can do it,” Manyen said. 
For more information on future events, visit the Pink Warrior Angel website at pinkwarriorangels.org or find them on Facebook.